Torsion Bar Kit

[The Highlander]

I was wondering if anyone on here knew of any aftermarket assisted opener kits. (similar to the kershaw speedsafe system) I have some old junk knives I'd like to modify and if it turns out ok I'd like to reproduce the modification on more expensive blades.

tl;dr- Is there an aftermarket a/o kit out there or will I have to gut a kershaw?

 

[7X57chilmau]

You should be able to use a kershaw for inspiration, and make your own torsion bar system using music wire (available at hobby shops). Music wire is essentially 1084/1095 type steel, and can be heat treated to make a fine spring.

Then you'll need to mill out the handle for a raceway for the bar... Add a hole in the blade for the torsion bar....

Pay close attention to the angles, such that the system acts to hold the blade closed, and yet is still easily flipped open...

This won't be a simple project. Might be a whole lot of fun, though! I wanna see pics!

J

 

[The Highlander]

It's part of a serious of mods I plan on eventually implementing in some lower end Spydercos. (FFG Tasman Salt, a few Tenacious blade shape mods: a rounded spine, a swedge, and a few other things; one of my plans ended up looking a lot like the stretch) I've even considered reproducing a tenacious blade in a higher end steel like cpm-d2. (stock removal via belt sander and hand files)

You're probably thinking "why the tenacious?" I have a couple and I love em. They're cheap, but their G10 has great texturing and they're damn near indestructible. They take a fine edge and are easy to touch up. Surprisingly though I haven't bought a persistence yet.